Houston mayor threatens FFs with discipline for badmouthing him, or campaigning at station

The crackdown comes two weeks after the city council approved laying off more than 300 city workers, which included firefighters

By FireRescue1 Staff

HOUSTON — Mayor Sylvester Turner is threatening to discipline firefighters who badmouth him on social media and who engage in political activity at the city's fire stations.

Fox26.com reported that the crackdown comes two weeks after the city council approved laying off more than 300 city workers, which included firefighters.

"It has gotten out of hand and I'm stopping it right now. If there is any campaigning at fire stations or on city property or city buildings, people will be disciplined. I am not going to tolerate it. And being disrespectful, all these comments being made, it's gotten out of hand and this culture has to stop and it's going to stop," said Turner.

Fox26 reported that Firefighter Union President Marty Lancton responded to Turner's threats by describing the mayor's reaction as a "hypocritical temper tantrum."

Firefighters and supporters countered the mayor's threat by posting photos on social media of the then-candidate Turner campaigning at local fire stations.

Since being elected, Turner's relationship with the city's firefighters has worsened, as firefighters have seen a decrease in their pension benefits under Turner, and the battle continues over the ballot-approved pay parity with Houston police.

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